with an election looming, the environment mr. is -- minister is putting on the brakes. subsequent rises would also be limited. >>> i do not think it is right that consumers and small and medium-sized businesses carry all the risk of electricity price rises as a result of the move towards renewables. >> industries that use a lot of electricity also face changes. until now, they were exempted from the clean energy surcharge. under the proposals, they will pnow have to pay their share. chancellor merkel's deputy has given his backing to the plans. >> i believe it is right not to proceed in small steps. we need a big, bold move, and a fundamental reform of the law on subsidizing renewable energy. >> the government will need the backing of the opposition to get the plan through parliament. the gamble is that the social democrats will find it hard to deny consumers price relief in an election year. >> police in brazil have arrested three people in connection with the nightclub fire that killed more than 230 people over the weekend. >> among those detained are the owner of the